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What does a Credit Officer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A credit officer is a professional who works with individuals and businesses to help them obtain the financing they need. Credit officers work with lenders to determine the best way to structure loans, and they also work with borrowers to ensure that they are able to make their payments on time.

Credit Officer job duties include:

  • Reviewing and evaluating credit applications
  • Analyzing financial statements
  • Determining creditworthiness
  • Setting credit limits
  • Monitoring credit utilization
  • Managing credit risk
  • Generating reports on credit activity
  • Identifying trends in credit data
  • Recommending changes to credit policies and procedures

Credit Officer Job Requirements

A Credit Officer typically needs a four-year degree in business or finance, although some employers may require a master’s degree. Certification from the Institute of Certified Banking Credit Officers is also helpful. Previous experience working in credit or lending is generally required.

Credit Officer Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Profit and loss analysis
  • Financial analysis
  • Finance
  • Budgeting
  • Forecasting
  • Financial modeling
  • Loan analysis
  • Credit analysis
  • Risk management
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Cash flow analysis

Related: Top Credit Officer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Credit Officer

A Credit Officer is a professional who works in the credit department of a financial institution, such as a bank, and is responsible for making decisions about whether or not to extend credit to individuals and businesses. In order to become a Credit Officer, one must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. Many Credit Officers also have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

After obtaining the necessary education, the next step is to gain experience in the credit industry. Many Credit Officers start their careers as loan officers or underwriters. Loan officers evaluate loan applications and make recommendations to their superiors about whether or not to approve the loan. Underwriters review loan applications and determine whether or not the applicant poses a risk of defaulting on the loan.

Once an individual has gained several years of experience in the credit industry, they can then apply for a position as a Credit Officer. When applying for this position, it is important to highlight one’s experience in making credit decisions. The ability to analyze financial statements and assess risk is also essential.

Once hired, a Credit Officer’s responsibilities include reviewing loan applications, evaluating creditworthiness, setting credit limits, and approving or denying loans. They also work closely with other departments within their financial institution, such as the marketing department, in order to develop new products and services that will appeal to potential borrowers.

Related: Credit Officer Resume Example

Related: Credit Officer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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